convert the existing wheels to quick release wheels?
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2016
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convert the existing wheels to quick release wheels?
I have a classic racing bike, the wheels on the bike are not quick release system. I am thinking of putting quick release wheels on the bike, and looking for a descent set. Is it possible to convert the existing wheels to quick release wheels?
#2
Bikes are okay, I guess.



Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 8,057
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From: Richmond, Virginia
Bikes: Waterford Paramount Touring, Raleigh Sports 3-speeds in M23 & L23, Schwinn Cimarron oddball build, Marin Palisades Trail dropbar conversion, Nishiki Cresta GT, Jeunet mixte
Possible but it depends on the existing hubs and if you can find the parts to do the conversion. Low end alloy or steel hubs would probably not be worth the trouble and expense.
#4
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Front hub and fork are the first areas of review. Many front solid axle hubs have a smaller diameter axle, to fit the larger diameter axle of a quick release hub, the fork would need to be modified to accept the axle. All can be done, time, tools and talent.
For the rear wheel, the overall width of many solid axle wheels locknut to locknut face is 120mm, pre built wheels almost universally now are wider. The frame would need to be sprung wider upon every install or frame re spaced.
It can all be done.
For the rear wheel, the overall width of many solid axle wheels locknut to locknut face is 120mm, pre built wheels almost universally now are wider. The frame would need to be sprung wider upon every install or frame re spaced.
It can all be done.
#5
I've converted the rear axle of a couple of bikes to QR (< 10 years old). It was a bit of a pain. Inevitably the axle sizes or threads are different so one can't just move the cones and spacers directly from the old axle to the new axle. So you have to find a new axle, and matching cones, spacers, and lock nuts. And if the dust seals are integrated to the cones, they may need matched too, or moved.
Inevitably one gets the rear spacing off just slightly, and needs to adjust the dishing of the wheel.
A cheap matching donor hub may be of benefit.
Inevitably one gets the rear spacing off just slightly, and needs to adjust the dishing of the wheel.
A cheap matching donor hub may be of benefit.
#6
What??? Only 2 wheels?


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From: Boston-ish, MA
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
You could probably get axles and cones from Wheels Manufacturing but you mighf want to try fitting some from another bike guy first. You would want to verify sizes.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
#7
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Port Angeles, WA
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
I've done this twice, and it was more complicated than I guessed it would be. Lots of different sizes on cones and axels. Luckily I have a big pile of surplus wheels to dig through and found all the parts except for a couple cones (to replace pitted ones) which my LBS had on hand.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●









